What is Tooth Wear Lesion? Know Its Efficacy
Your teeth can last a lifetime – for as long as you take care of them. Some amount of wear is inevitable, though, which means a loss of tooth structure. Such wear starts from the loss of enamel that forms the tooth’s outer covering. In some serious cases, when wear on the enamel is left untreated, it can progress to the soft inner tooth structure called dentin.
Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. It is mineralized and non-living, unlike dentin and bone. This substance is very resistant to chemical attack and wears, considering that it is exposed to so many things, as we bite, chew, and come in contact with acidic food and drink items. It is still possible for enamel to wear off because of various reasons. Whatever these reasons may be, it is important to give immediate intervention to protect the teeth and maintain your normal bite.
Kinds of Tooth Wear
- Abrasion – This is the effect of the teeth scraping or rubbing against another material. Its most common source is traumatic toothbrushing, where you apply too much force during brushing or are using a toothbrush that is too hard. Other causes of abrasion include improper use of dental floss and toothpicks. There are also dental appliances like retainers or partial dentures frequently taken out of the mouth that abrade teeth. Abrasion can also be caused by a diet with abrasive foods or habits like pen-chewing and nail-biting.
- Erosion – When teeth come into contact with food that has acidic substances, the acid can erode the enamel on the teeth. Some of the most common food items include sodas, energy drinks, and sports drinks. Some fruit juices are also acidic. Consuming these drinks during mealtime and rinsing the mouth with water after drinking can help prevent erosion.
- Abfraction – This refers to enamel loss at the neck of the teeth. Abfraction is not yet completely understood, but its cause is believed to be tooth flexion from biting forces. Erosion and abrasion can contribute to this problem.
- Attrition – This is caused by tooth-to-tooth contact, which happens when you bite and chew. These daily acts generate a force between 13 and 23 pounds. People who grind and clench can give up to ten times that amount of force, which can damage teeth.
Treating Tooth Wear
To treat worn teeth, their cause should be determined at the dentist’s office during a simple oral examination. When the cause is identified, the stresses on the teeth will have to be reduced. For instance, you might be instructed on changing your diet or learn to effectively brush your tooth in a gentle manner. For those with a grinding or clenching habit, a custom-made mouthguard can protect your teeth during high-stress periods or during stress.
Any loss of tooth structure will have to be replaced to maintain the proper function of the bite as well as the dental aesthetics. This will depend on the situation and can be done with the use of crowns, veneers, or bonding. The good news is that modern dentistry can effectively restore a damaged tooth’s normal appearance and function.
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